‘Cheaper fares for fans': Supporters could fly with players on ‘NRL Air'

Peter V'landys has confirmed the NRL's proposed purchase of a private jet for players – and possibly fans – is still on the agenda, and could 'happen in the next six months'.
The governing body has been building its asset portfolio with purchases including the Gambaro Hotel in Brisbane, the Quest Woolooware Bay Hotel, adjacent to the Sharks' home ground, and the Mercure Sunshine Coast. However, the addition of an aircraft, likely to cost at least $15 million, would be the most bold addition yet.
ARLC chair V'landys said a cost analysis was being carried out, with the impending addition of franchises in Perth and Papua New Guinea strengthening the business case for a private plane, which would ease the travel burden on players and fans.
While teams travelling in and out of Perth and PNG would be the main beneficiaries, there are other instances where a private plane would benefit the game. For instance, the five Panthers players participating in Wednesday night's State of Origin game will probably be rested from next week's NRL matches because there are no direct flights from Perth to Auckland for the club's clash against the Warriors on Saturday.
The prospect of making the Penrith stars back up for club duty, after what is likely to be a brutal interstate affair, will prove too much given they will be unable to recover properly while spending an entire day travelling.
Professional sporting teams in the United States often travel via private jets, with some franchises even owning the aircraft. The NRL is now crunching the numbers to determine the feasibility of doing something similar.
'We're looking at all of the models; lease, buy and joint venture,' V'landys said. 'We're doing a cost analysis because once Perth and PNG come in – and even with North Queensland and Auckland – we're looking [at lengthy journeys].
'That's definitely on the investigation list because it could work out to be more cost-effective.

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News.com.au

2 hours ago

• News.com.au

Jed Stuart, son of NRL legend Ricky, scores on dream NRL debut

Ricky Stuart gave a stunning insight into what it all meant after his son Jed had a dream debut in the Canberra Raiders' 16-12 victory over the Wests Tigers on Friday night. Jed Stuart, 23, has been under an enormous shadow as he made his way in his young career. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Not only is he the offspring of a Kangaroos, NSW Blues and Raiders legend, his dad Ricky is also the Canberra coach. Named an emergency four times this season, Jed was finally handed his first NRL game by his emotional coach this week after strong form in the NSW Cup. Watch Ricky Stuart discuss his son's debut below Quick to ward off any talk of nepotism, Ricky said earlier this week: 'He's worked really hard to get there, he's actually had to work doubly hard — I've made it very hard on him. 'He's earned his spot, let's put it that way.' The 404th player to make his debut for the Canberra club, Jed couldn't have asked for a better start. After Joseph Tapine opened the scoring in the 13th minute, Jed got his moment just five minutes later. Kaeo Weekes' sensational run gave the Raiders field position before the ball worked its way to centre Sebastian Kris on the next tackle. Just as Kris was tackled, he managed to get a flick pass to Stuart and the red-headed winger did the rest to touch down in front of friends and family. 'Kris very late pass, Stuart! Stuart is over in the corner!' Dan Ginnane said on Fox League. 'Jed Stuart scores on debut and the Stuart clan goes bonkers. Oh boy they waited four years for him to get a crack at first grade. 'They only had to wait 18 minutes to see him score.' Michael Ennis added: 'What a moment that is. Question marks about the flick pass, but the put down from Stuart was brilliant. 'That's Canberra at their best. It started with Weekes and finished with Stuart, what a moment.' The Raiders led 16-0 at halftime and withstood a second-half comeback from the Tigers, who had skipper Jarome Luai backing up from Origin just 48 hours earlier. But much of the talk after the game was about the debut winger. 'You couldn't have scripted this any better,' Yvonne Sampson said on Fox League. Kevin Walter added: 'It was brilliant. It's an all-time memory now in the NRL. 'There's father and son, what a way to start his NRL career, scoring a try.' Englishman James Graham, who said his father's proudest moment from his son's long career was watching James' debut, was stunned by what he saw. 'To give your son a debut shirt, you coach the side, that must be – it'll never get better for a father son relationship,' he said. 'That is so cool to witness.' In his post-match press conference, Ricky Stuart said it had been the hardest week of his coaching career. 'I appreciate how all the players supported him and there was a lot of pressure on him tonight,' he said. 'This week's been the hardest week I've had since I've coached. 'From a father's point of view, I didn't want him to be man of the match, I just wanted him to hold his own. 'That's all I wanted and he did that. The amount of times I've woken up at 3 o'clock in the morning with some real bad thoughts. I didn't get any of those tonight so it was good. 'I'll enjoy a beer with him tonight.' Remarkably, X account Random Stats Guy claimed Ricky and Jed both made their debut in round 16, 37 years apart, and both scored a try. Pundits and fans alike were loving the moment on Friday night. Roosters halfback Chad Townsend tweeted: 'Great moment for Jed Stuart! Love to see it.' NRL journalist Brad Walter wrote: 'What a night for Jed Stuart. His dad is one of the great players, coaches and people in our game and Jed has had a debut to remember.' One fan watching on joked: 'BREAKING: Ricky Stuart's key halftime message – any of you who don't pass the ball to Jed WON'T be getting any Maccas on the way home!'

The Advertiser

2 hours ago

• The Advertiser

Adam O'Brien showed class in publicly owning mistake with Knights fans

MUCH has been written and spoken about the recent booing of the Knights coach, Adam O'Brien. As so often happens, however, inaccuracies and opinions have become confused with the truth, and I would like to comment upon the most recent correspondence on the subject ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Let me say up front that, like the correspondent, I have also been a member since 1988 and was at the game in question, seated in the western grandstand. The correspondent accused O'Brien of labelling the entire Knights supporter base as follows: "they don't know anything about rugby league ...' ... one of the most disrespectful comments ...." as he tried to protect his young team from the few who booed the side at half time. There were only a few. My wife and friends were on the top deck of the western stand and heard only a dull murmur. Dylan Lucas, when interviewed on the field after the event, hadn't heard the noise. The noise of booing was picked up by the TV sound system, but wasn't anywhere near the loudness of the crowd noise that followed the awarding of the Roosters' match-winning try last weekend. That was booed by the whole crowd! In reply to the retort: "Are the stands soundproof?" No, they aren't, but at the moment in question, O'Brien was in the lift going down to the dressing room. The lifts certainly are soundproof. Not his best response, certainly, clumsy at best, and the reason for calling the press conference. From enquiries I have made, when realising his error, O'Brien requested the next day's press conference be held over the objections of the Knights media team. He was certainly not instructed by the hierarchy to hold a conference. On the evidence of courage and tenacity shown by his team over the past weeks, the Knights, with the worst player absentee record in the NRL from injuries and a suspension according to the Sunday Telegraph, have the best defensive record in the comp, hardly an indication of "losing the dressing room". O'Brien's record of four finals appearances in his five years as coach should stand him in good stead. We had four finals appearances in the previous 16 years before his appointment. In the team for the grand final of golden year 2001, we had nine of 17 players who represented Australia, plus two State of Origin players and the NRL prop of the year. It's a different squad this year. GROIDEN Schammell takes Adam O'Brien to task for calling out spectators who booed the Knights off the field ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Why wouldn't he? You don't boo your own team off the field - other teams' spectators will do that for you. I've been a Rabbitohs supporter since 1952, and they have had plenty of seasons where they couldn't beat time, but none of our loyal supporters ever booed them off. If Adam O'Brien's to blame for all their troubles, why boo the players? The only possible excuse would be if they weren't trying. Are you going to tell me if any of the players go out there and don't try? As for knowledgeable fans, the average fan wouldn't know where to start if he had to coach a team. As Wayne Bennett said once, if you start taking notice of what fans say, you are in trouble. STEVE Barnett, how has the ALP government threatened your retirement at the beach ("We went without plenty in the past", Letters, 16/6)? Australia is setting records on overseas travel and renovations, while those on the frontline, charities, are reporting many more in very grim hardship. The wealth of the few is exploding. There are two Australias, with a growing gap between haves and have-nots. None of what you list interests me, either, especially the make-up, body treatments and handbags. The beach slam dunks a spa any day. However, think of the livelihoods provided by today's goods and services. Times are always different, and parents do wish for better times for their children. Houses/units owned by the young are not impossible. It is not non-existent. But no matter how thrifty far too many younger people could be, owning remains a pipedream for many more. I wish you well in your beach retirement endeavours. RUGBY league has gone to the dogs. When an immortal has less input and audio than the referee during the State of Origin, it's time to ask why. The ABC, mainly funded by the taxpayer, keeps a sharp axe handy these days. If it's not used on people, you can be sure it will chop certain controversial programs like The Drum and now Q&A. It is safer for them to serve up dishwater like Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, Claire Hooper's House of Games and Gruen, all shows where everyone laughs hysterically except viewers. So, who is behind the sackings and dumbing down? Look no further than the head honchos who want to keep their plum jobs and not upset the government of the day. I WAS reading a couple of days ago that the politicians have already been, or are about to be, granted another pay rise, quoted as being the fourth in three years. Providing this is correct, I would like to ask my federal Member, Pat Conroy, and state Member, Jodie Harrison, to provide this masthead with full details of the rise so it can be made public. We, the taxpayers, are the ones who pay their remuneration, so I think it's a fair request. Thank you both in anticipation. MATT Ophir ("Targets of hate speak volumes", Letters, 12/6) is 100 per cent correct. Hamas could easily end the bloodshed by laying down their arms and releasing the hostages. Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt. MUCH has been written and spoken about the recent booing of the Knights coach, Adam O'Brien. As so often happens, however, inaccuracies and opinions have become confused with the truth, and I would like to comment upon the most recent correspondence on the subject ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Let me say up front that, like the correspondent, I have also been a member since 1988 and was at the game in question, seated in the western grandstand. The correspondent accused O'Brien of labelling the entire Knights supporter base as follows: "they don't know anything about rugby league ...' ... one of the most disrespectful comments ...." as he tried to protect his young team from the few who booed the side at half time. There were only a few. My wife and friends were on the top deck of the western stand and heard only a dull murmur. Dylan Lucas, when interviewed on the field after the event, hadn't heard the noise. The noise of booing was picked up by the TV sound system, but wasn't anywhere near the loudness of the crowd noise that followed the awarding of the Roosters' match-winning try last weekend. That was booed by the whole crowd! In reply to the retort: "Are the stands soundproof?" No, they aren't, but at the moment in question, O'Brien was in the lift going down to the dressing room. The lifts certainly are soundproof. Not his best response, certainly, clumsy at best, and the reason for calling the press conference. From enquiries I have made, when realising his error, O'Brien requested the next day's press conference be held over the objections of the Knights media team. He was certainly not instructed by the hierarchy to hold a conference. On the evidence of courage and tenacity shown by his team over the past weeks, the Knights, with the worst player absentee record in the NRL from injuries and a suspension according to the Sunday Telegraph, have the best defensive record in the comp, hardly an indication of "losing the dressing room". O'Brien's record of four finals appearances in his five years as coach should stand him in good stead. We had four finals appearances in the previous 16 years before his appointment. In the team for the grand final of golden year 2001, we had nine of 17 players who represented Australia, plus two State of Origin players and the NRL prop of the year. It's a different squad this year. GROIDEN Schammell takes Adam O'Brien to task for calling out spectators who booed the Knights off the field ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Why wouldn't he? You don't boo your own team off the field - other teams' spectators will do that for you. I've been a Rabbitohs supporter since 1952, and they have had plenty of seasons where they couldn't beat time, but none of our loyal supporters ever booed them off. If Adam O'Brien's to blame for all their troubles, why boo the players? The only possible excuse would be if they weren't trying. Are you going to tell me if any of the players go out there and don't try? As for knowledgeable fans, the average fan wouldn't know where to start if he had to coach a team. As Wayne Bennett said once, if you start taking notice of what fans say, you are in trouble. STEVE Barnett, how has the ALP government threatened your retirement at the beach ("We went without plenty in the past", Letters, 16/6)? Australia is setting records on overseas travel and renovations, while those on the frontline, charities, are reporting many more in very grim hardship. The wealth of the few is exploding. There are two Australias, with a growing gap between haves and have-nots. None of what you list interests me, either, especially the make-up, body treatments and handbags. The beach slam dunks a spa any day. However, think of the livelihoods provided by today's goods and services. Times are always different, and parents do wish for better times for their children. Houses/units owned by the young are not impossible. It is not non-existent. But no matter how thrifty far too many younger people could be, owning remains a pipedream for many more. I wish you well in your beach retirement endeavours. RUGBY league has gone to the dogs. When an immortal has less input and audio than the referee during the State of Origin, it's time to ask why. The ABC, mainly funded by the taxpayer, keeps a sharp axe handy these days. If it's not used on people, you can be sure it will chop certain controversial programs like The Drum and now Q&A. It is safer for them to serve up dishwater like Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, Claire Hooper's House of Games and Gruen, all shows where everyone laughs hysterically except viewers. So, who is behind the sackings and dumbing down? Look no further than the head honchos who want to keep their plum jobs and not upset the government of the day. I WAS reading a couple of days ago that the politicians have already been, or are about to be, granted another pay rise, quoted as being the fourth in three years. Providing this is correct, I would like to ask my federal Member, Pat Conroy, and state Member, Jodie Harrison, to provide this masthead with full details of the rise so it can be made public. We, the taxpayers, are the ones who pay their remuneration, so I think it's a fair request. Thank you both in anticipation. MATT Ophir ("Targets of hate speak volumes", Letters, 12/6) is 100 per cent correct. Hamas could easily end the bloodshed by laying down their arms and releasing the hostages. Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt. MUCH has been written and spoken about the recent booing of the Knights coach, Adam O'Brien. As so often happens, however, inaccuracies and opinions have become confused with the truth, and I would like to comment upon the most recent correspondence on the subject ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Let me say up front that, like the correspondent, I have also been a member since 1988 and was at the game in question, seated in the western grandstand. The correspondent accused O'Brien of labelling the entire Knights supporter base as follows: "they don't know anything about rugby league ...' ... one of the most disrespectful comments ...." as he tried to protect his young team from the few who booed the side at half time. There were only a few. My wife and friends were on the top deck of the western stand and heard only a dull murmur. Dylan Lucas, when interviewed on the field after the event, hadn't heard the noise. The noise of booing was picked up by the TV sound system, but wasn't anywhere near the loudness of the crowd noise that followed the awarding of the Roosters' match-winning try last weekend. That was booed by the whole crowd! In reply to the retort: "Are the stands soundproof?" No, they aren't, but at the moment in question, O'Brien was in the lift going down to the dressing room. The lifts certainly are soundproof. Not his best response, certainly, clumsy at best, and the reason for calling the press conference. From enquiries I have made, when realising his error, O'Brien requested the next day's press conference be held over the objections of the Knights media team. He was certainly not instructed by the hierarchy to hold a conference. On the evidence of courage and tenacity shown by his team over the past weeks, the Knights, with the worst player absentee record in the NRL from injuries and a suspension according to the Sunday Telegraph, have the best defensive record in the comp, hardly an indication of "losing the dressing room". O'Brien's record of four finals appearances in his five years as coach should stand him in good stead. We had four finals appearances in the previous 16 years before his appointment. In the team for the grand final of golden year 2001, we had nine of 17 players who represented Australia, plus two State of Origin players and the NRL prop of the year. It's a different squad this year. GROIDEN Schammell takes Adam O'Brien to task for calling out spectators who booed the Knights off the field ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Why wouldn't he? You don't boo your own team off the field - other teams' spectators will do that for you. I've been a Rabbitohs supporter since 1952, and they have had plenty of seasons where they couldn't beat time, but none of our loyal supporters ever booed them off. If Adam O'Brien's to blame for all their troubles, why boo the players? The only possible excuse would be if they weren't trying. Are you going to tell me if any of the players go out there and don't try? As for knowledgeable fans, the average fan wouldn't know where to start if he had to coach a team. As Wayne Bennett said once, if you start taking notice of what fans say, you are in trouble. STEVE Barnett, how has the ALP government threatened your retirement at the beach ("We went without plenty in the past", Letters, 16/6)? Australia is setting records on overseas travel and renovations, while those on the frontline, charities, are reporting many more in very grim hardship. The wealth of the few is exploding. There are two Australias, with a growing gap between haves and have-nots. None of what you list interests me, either, especially the make-up, body treatments and handbags. The beach slam dunks a spa any day. However, think of the livelihoods provided by today's goods and services. Times are always different, and parents do wish for better times for their children. Houses/units owned by the young are not impossible. It is not non-existent. But no matter how thrifty far too many younger people could be, owning remains a pipedream for many more. I wish you well in your beach retirement endeavours. RUGBY league has gone to the dogs. When an immortal has less input and audio than the referee during the State of Origin, it's time to ask why. The ABC, mainly funded by the taxpayer, keeps a sharp axe handy these days. If it's not used on people, you can be sure it will chop certain controversial programs like The Drum and now Q&A. It is safer for them to serve up dishwater like Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, Claire Hooper's House of Games and Gruen, all shows where everyone laughs hysterically except viewers. So, who is behind the sackings and dumbing down? Look no further than the head honchos who want to keep their plum jobs and not upset the government of the day. I WAS reading a couple of days ago that the politicians have already been, or are about to be, granted another pay rise, quoted as being the fourth in three years. Providing this is correct, I would like to ask my federal Member, Pat Conroy, and state Member, Jodie Harrison, to provide this masthead with full details of the rise so it can be made public. We, the taxpayers, are the ones who pay their remuneration, so I think it's a fair request. Thank you both in anticipation. MATT Ophir ("Targets of hate speak volumes", Letters, 12/6) is 100 per cent correct. Hamas could easily end the bloodshed by laying down their arms and releasing the hostages. Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt. MUCH has been written and spoken about the recent booing of the Knights coach, Adam O'Brien. As so often happens, however, inaccuracies and opinions have become confused with the truth, and I would like to comment upon the most recent correspondence on the subject ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Let me say up front that, like the correspondent, I have also been a member since 1988 and was at the game in question, seated in the western grandstand. The correspondent accused O'Brien of labelling the entire Knights supporter base as follows: "they don't know anything about rugby league ...' ... one of the most disrespectful comments ...." as he tried to protect his young team from the few who booed the side at half time. There were only a few. My wife and friends were on the top deck of the western stand and heard only a dull murmur. Dylan Lucas, when interviewed on the field after the event, hadn't heard the noise. The noise of booing was picked up by the TV sound system, but wasn't anywhere near the loudness of the crowd noise that followed the awarding of the Roosters' match-winning try last weekend. That was booed by the whole crowd! In reply to the retort: "Are the stands soundproof?" No, they aren't, but at the moment in question, O'Brien was in the lift going down to the dressing room. The lifts certainly are soundproof. Not his best response, certainly, clumsy at best, and the reason for calling the press conference. From enquiries I have made, when realising his error, O'Brien requested the next day's press conference be held over the objections of the Knights media team. He was certainly not instructed by the hierarchy to hold a conference. On the evidence of courage and tenacity shown by his team over the past weeks, the Knights, with the worst player absentee record in the NRL from injuries and a suspension according to the Sunday Telegraph, have the best defensive record in the comp, hardly an indication of "losing the dressing room". O'Brien's record of four finals appearances in his five years as coach should stand him in good stead. We had four finals appearances in the previous 16 years before his appointment. In the team for the grand final of golden year 2001, we had nine of 17 players who represented Australia, plus two State of Origin players and the NRL prop of the year. It's a different squad this year. GROIDEN Schammell takes Adam O'Brien to task for calling out spectators who booed the Knights off the field ("Apology won't undo coach's shot at supporters", Letters, 18/6). Why wouldn't he? You don't boo your own team off the field - other teams' spectators will do that for you. I've been a Rabbitohs supporter since 1952, and they have had plenty of seasons where they couldn't beat time, but none of our loyal supporters ever booed them off. If Adam O'Brien's to blame for all their troubles, why boo the players? The only possible excuse would be if they weren't trying. Are you going to tell me if any of the players go out there and don't try? As for knowledgeable fans, the average fan wouldn't know where to start if he had to coach a team. As Wayne Bennett said once, if you start taking notice of what fans say, you are in trouble. STEVE Barnett, how has the ALP government threatened your retirement at the beach ("We went without plenty in the past", Letters, 16/6)? Australia is setting records on overseas travel and renovations, while those on the frontline, charities, are reporting many more in very grim hardship. The wealth of the few is exploding. There are two Australias, with a growing gap between haves and have-nots. None of what you list interests me, either, especially the make-up, body treatments and handbags. The beach slam dunks a spa any day. However, think of the livelihoods provided by today's goods and services. Times are always different, and parents do wish for better times for their children. Houses/units owned by the young are not impossible. It is not non-existent. But no matter how thrifty far too many younger people could be, owning remains a pipedream for many more. I wish you well in your beach retirement endeavours. RUGBY league has gone to the dogs. When an immortal has less input and audio than the referee during the State of Origin, it's time to ask why. The ABC, mainly funded by the taxpayer, keeps a sharp axe handy these days. If it's not used on people, you can be sure it will chop certain controversial programs like The Drum and now Q&A. It is safer for them to serve up dishwater like Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee, Claire Hooper's House of Games and Gruen, all shows where everyone laughs hysterically except viewers. So, who is behind the sackings and dumbing down? Look no further than the head honchos who want to keep their plum jobs and not upset the government of the day. I WAS reading a couple of days ago that the politicians have already been, or are about to be, granted another pay rise, quoted as being the fourth in three years. Providing this is correct, I would like to ask my federal Member, Pat Conroy, and state Member, Jodie Harrison, to provide this masthead with full details of the rise so it can be made public. We, the taxpayers, are the ones who pay their remuneration, so I think it's a fair request. Thank you both in anticipation. MATT Ophir ("Targets of hate speak volumes", Letters, 12/6) is 100 per cent correct. Hamas could easily end the bloodshed by laying down their arms and releasing the hostages. Many people are quick to forget who started the conflict. Meanwhile, Julie Robinson ("Turning away aid ship is telling", Letters, 12/6) seems to have fallen for the propaganda of the world's best-known attention-seeker. Greta and her activist cronies were carrying a minuscule amount of aid, and one boat does not constitute a flotilla. Just another stunt.

Sydney Morning Herald

6 hours ago

• Sydney Morning Herald

‘Shot of whisky': How Ricky Stuart will cope with son's Canberra debut

Whenever Ricky Stuart hands one of his players a debut, he feels like a proud dad. So you can only imagine how he feels after giving his actual son, Jed, the chance to become Raider No.404 against Wests Tigers at Campbelltown on Friday. 'That's probably a good description because I like to get close to all of my players,' Stuart said. 'This one is for real.' It's a debut Stuart said Jed has had to work 'doubly hard' for. Concerned about perceptions of nepotism, the younger Stuart had to play 57 NSW Cup games before getting the call-up for first grade. Even then, it only happened after the senior Canberra players assured the coach that the young winger was up to the challenge. 'There was no way it was going to be an easy ride for him, it was always going to be a disadvantage for him [being my son], to be honest,' Stuart said. 'It's good for him. I feel like I've got a good understanding of when a player is ready to play NRL and this is a good opportunity for Jed to start developing an NRL career and see where he gets to.' Stuart has always worn his heart on his sleeve. Watching him prowling along the sidelines, riding every play like his life depended on it, can be as entertaining as the action unfolding on the field. When veteran prop Josh Papalii recently broke the Raiders record for first-grade appearances, Stuart had to hold back the tears. So how will he fare when Jed runs out?